What are ISAN codes used for?
An ISAN uniquely distinguishes one audiovisual work from all other audiovisual works. An ISAN is a centrally registered and permanently assigned reference number. The work it references is identified by a metadata set. ISAN-IA in Geneva and its appointed Registration Agencies work together to prevent duplicate assignments of ISANs with the same metadata set. This descriptive information includes the title, director, type, duration and dozens of other fields related to the work. This metadata applies to all types of works, including versions of feature films, documentaries, television programs, videos, games, trailers, advertising, and live broadcasts. These ISAN codes are as well the unique identification of specific versions or other content related to an audiovisual work and will be used in production and distribution systems, broadcasting applications and electronic program guides. Other methods of identifying audiovisual works, such as by title, can result in confusion about the sp
